Chapter Seventy-Nine: Visiting Kong Yingda

Li Yi gave all his instructions in one breath, wanting to test the true abilities of the fat man. As expected, the fat man did not disappoint him; after only a brief moment of thought, he understood exactly what needed to be done.

Fatty Luo turned around and called over a few people who looked like leaders, gave them a few quiet orders, and these individuals left in an organized manner.

Li Yi watched with great satisfaction. These people had all been strangers just yesterday, yet Fatty Luo was able to quickly identify the leaders among them. This was clear evidence of his extraordinary social skills and keen judgment of character. Moreover, the fact that the group departed without any confusion or disorder showed that he possessed a certain degree of organizational ability as well.

“Blue Fatty, I have a task for you,” Li Yi called out.

Blue Wei replied respectfully, “At your service, Young Master Adviser!” By now, he understood one truth: no matter what, it was best not to provoke Li Yi, for the consequences would be severe.

“You are to find Fatty Luo right away and from now on, follow him. Let me tell you, he may not look impressive, but he is a truly capable man. What benefits you can gain from him depend on your own skills.”

Blue Wei glanced at the departing figure of Fatty Luo, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. “Understood!” He bowed to Li Yi, then hurried after Fatty Luo, dragging his large frame.

When the group of workers had left, only the ten stewards sent by each family and over a hundred servants remained. Li Yi cast a quick glance over the hundred or so people: their appearances were at least decent—certainly suitable for the role of waiters.

Li Yi rubbed his temples. So many people! The expenses would be enormous once again.

He first approached the ten stewards. “In a moment, choose a leader among yourselves. Then go to Fatty Luo and ask for a sum of money. After that, take these hundred or so people and find a courtyard for them to stay in. Once they’re settled, start teaching them to read and write. How you do it is up to you; I only care about the results. In one month, I want every one of them to be literate—reading and writing. Any questions?”

The ten stewards glanced at one another and shook their heads in unison.

“Good. And as before, every expense must be properly recorded. Also, take a cook along—ensure the meals are decent. Once everything is settled, send someone to report to me.” Li Yi considered for a moment, then whispered an instruction to Bingyu. “Help me arrange these matters.”

Bingyu nodded and led the group of over a hundred away.

Li Yi returned to his study and continued dealing with the matters at hand: compiling the mathematics textbook, overseeing the construction of the bar, restaurant, and supermarket, and drafting the necessary expense budgets.

By afternoon, Li Yi finally extricated himself from the mountain of tedious affairs.

“Bingyu, what time is it?”

Bingyu set down the mathematics book, glanced at the sky, and replied, “Young Master, it is the hour of Shen.”

“It’s already past three?” Li Yi stretched and exhaled a long breath. “Sanzi!”

As soon as he spoke, Sanzi burst in with his usual energy. “Young Master, what do you need?”

“Go prepare three catties of tea leaves. We’re heading out.”

“Right away!”

“Where are we going, Young Master?”

Li Yi glanced at the sun, already low in the sky, and gave a wry smile. “We’re off to ask a favor.”

Half an hour later, Li Yi and Sanzi stopped before a grand residence. Looking up at the words “Kong Residence,” Li Yi swallowed nervously. “I hope Master Kong will be merciful.”

He muttered under his breath, then had Sanzi deliver his calling card at the door. The gatekeeper took it inside to announce their arrival, and before long, a young man of about twenty came out to greet them.

“This must be the Jade Qilin, Li Yi. I am Kong Xuesong, my grandfather’s eldest grandson.”

Li Yi looked at the good-natured young man before him and immediately felt a liking for him. “Heavy snow presses upon the green pine, yet the pine stands tall and straight—Brother Kong, you have a fine name! I am indeed Li Yi.”

Kong Xuesong responded with humble laughter. “They say Brother Li is a master of words. Today I see it is true. ‘Heavy snow presses upon the green pine, yet the pine stands tall and straight’—what a line! May I have it as a gift?”

Li Yi waved dismissively and laughed. “Just a casual remark! If you like it, it’s yours.”

Kong Xuesong’s face lit up, and he made to bow, but Li Yi stopped him.

“It’s only a phrase; there’s no need for such formality!”

“Brother Li is indeed generous. Still, this line will serve as a warning to myself, and I must thank you. Let’s say I owe you a favor—how about that?”

Li Yi could only smile helplessly. “As you wish. Ah, by the way, Brother Kong, is Master Kong in good health?”

Kong Xuesong laughed. “Your eloquence is impressive! Don’t worry, grandfather is in fine health.”

Li Yi chuckled awkwardly. “I was a bit reckless back then; I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Kong Xuesong waved it off magnanimously. “I know what happened at the time; it’s not your fault. Besides, after grandfather came back, he spoke highly of you. How could we blame you?”

“It’s just that Master Kong is broad-minded and doesn’t hold a grudge.”

“Haha! But look at me—talking so much that I forget the time. That’s rude of me. Brother Li, please come in. Grandfather is waiting for you.”

“Thank you, Brother Kong. Sorry for the trouble.”

“No trouble at all.” Kong Xuesong led Li Yi to Master Kong Yingda’s study. “Grandfather is inside; you can go in on your own.”

“You’re not coming?”

Kong Xuesong smiled and shook his head, then took his leave.

Li Yi stood before the rather unimposing wooden door, unsure how to begin.

“You rascal, since you’re here, come in! What are you standing out there for?” came a voice from inside.

Li Yi sheepishly rubbed his nose and pushed open the door.

Upon entering, Li Yi first bowed respectfully. “Master Kong, I pay my respects.”

Kong Yingda sat at his desk, casting a sidelong glance at Li Yi. “You never come unless you need something, do you? And you even brought a gift? Out with it—what do you want?”

Master Kong made no effort to spare Li Yi’s feelings, and his bluntness made Li Yi want to crawl into a hole.

“Master Kong, I really did come to see you!”

Kong Yingda snorted. “Is that so? Fine, put down your things and be on your way, then.”

“Uh… Master Kong, must you be like this? All right, I admit it—I do have a favor to ask.”

Kong Yingda set down his book and gave Li Yi a look that said, “I knew it.” “Go on.”

“It’s like this: Master Kong, you know the Golden Cauldron Merchant Alliance was secretly established yesterday. But you also know what those good-for-nothing scions are like. If I want them to behave as true scholar-merchants, I realized only you could teach them. So I came to ask if you would instruct them in the ways of a scholar.”

“You want me to teach them the classics? With their character, do you think they can learn?”

“Rest assured, Master Kong. Teach them as strictly as you wish. If they refuse to learn, you can expel them from the scholar-merchant group at any time.”

Now Kong Yingda looked up. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Kong Yingda thought for a moment, then glanced at what Li Yi carried. “And what have you brought me?”

Li Yi quickly placed the tea on the desk. “Master Kong, this is tea I roasted myself—the finest new leaves.”

Kong Yingda’s interest was piqued. “A new style of tea? I’ve heard of it but never tasted it. You’re thoughtful. Very well, I accept. Have them come tomorrow—I’ll teach them two hours every afternoon.”

Li Yi’s face lit up. “Thank you!”

“Mmm. I read the essay you handed in the other day—‘The Humble Room’. It’s an excellent piece, but it’s a shame it came from you. You have talent, but your character is a bit too unruly. Why not join the lessons tomorrow too?”

“Oh no, Master Kong! I really don’t have the time, and I’m just a merchant now—being a little unruly suits me. Also, please don’t turn them into bookworms; I need them for actual work!”

“You rascal, I know my limits—you needn’t remind me. Anything else? If not, be off!”

Li Yi rubbed his nose—this old man’s temper was something else. He bowed respectfully, then took his leave.